Jack Huston will receive this year’s “CinemaCon Rising Star of the Year Award;” the honor was announced today by CinemaCon Managing Director Mitch Neuhauser. CinemaCon, the official convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), will be held April 11-14, 2016 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Huston will be presented with this special honor at the “CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards” ceremony on the evening of Thursday, April 14 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The event will be hosted by the Coca-Cola Company, the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon.

“Already known throughout the world for his compelling performance in the critically acclaimed ‘Boardwalk Empire’, Huston is poised to break out on the big screen with his upcoming performance in this summer’s ‘Ben Hur.’“ noted Neuhauser. “The Huston family legacy is cherished in our industry, and it is a great honor for CinemaCon to be able to recognize Jack as he embarks on what we know is going to be a great career on the big screen.”

Huston will be seen this summer in the title role of Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’ “Ben-Hur” releasing August 12, 2016. “Ben-Hur” is the epic story of Judah Ben-Hur (Huston), a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell), an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title and separated from his family and the woman he loves (Nazanin Boniadi), Judah is forced into slavery. After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but finds redemption.

The film is based on Lew Wallace’s timeless novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ and also stars Rodrigo Santoro, Nazanin Boniadi, Ayelet Zurer, Pilou Asbaek, Sofia Black D’Elia and Morgan Freeman. Produced by Sean Daniel, p.g.a., Joni Levin, p.g.a. and Duncan Henderson, p.g.a..  Screenplay by Keith Clarke and John Ridley. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov.

Best known for his portrayal of the deeply troubled and complex war veteran ‘Richard Harrow’ on HBO’s hit series “Boardwalk Empire,” Huston began his career starring in the small screen adaption of “Spartacus.” Most recently he was seen in “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” “The Longest Ride” and “American Hustle.” Other credits across film and television include “Wilde Salome,” “Outlander,” “Kill Your Darlings,” “Factory Girl,” “Not Fade Away,” “Two Jacks,” and “Night Train to Lisbon.” On stage, Huston played Charles Bruno in “Strangers on a Train” at London’s Gielgud Theatre.

About CinemaCon
CinemaCon will attract upwards of 5,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry –from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the movie-going experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office. 

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also delighted to have as its official presenting sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, one of the industry’s greatest and highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies.

About NATO
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 81 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.

Additional information on CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com.